Bushwhacking to go Backpacking: Establishing Kenya's First Long-Distance Backpacking Trail with Chris Carter

Armchair Explorer

Growing up in Kenya, Chris Carter fell in love with Africa's

wilderness -- with forests and grasslands, mountains and waterfalls, lions and

giraffes. But after spending several years backpacking the long-distance treks of

the US, he returned to his home country only to realize that Kenya had no

comparable established backpacking trails. So naturally, he decided to create

one.

Chris partnered with the Kenya Wildlife Service to map, plan, and create the

country's first long-distance backpacking trail. The location was Aberdare

National Park, a 4,000 square mile sanctuary of hidden waterfalls, volcanic

peaks, and tropical forests shrouded in mist and teeming with wildlife.

The only issue? Mapping the route meant bushwhacking through some insanely

dense and dangerous wilderness. And Chris would find all sorts of surprises

hiding in the bush...

CONNECT

Follow along with Chris' adventures on Instagram @Chris.Cart.Er or check out his

YouTube channel at ChrisCarterMedia. If you're interested in visiting Kenya or

Aberdare National Park, go to kws.go.ke.

SOCIAL

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. Want travel

tips and advice? Questions about this episode? Message me! Sign up for the

monthly newsletter at armchair-explorer.com.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions. Find our other shows at

armchair-productions.com. Jenny Allison did the guest booking and wrote this

episode, along with host and producer Aaron Millar. Charles Tyrie did the audio

editing and sound design. Theme music written by the artist Sweet Chap (on IG

@the_sweet_chap).

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